Big, Fat & Greek – Taverna Opa

Big, Fat & Greek – Taverna Opa

If you’ve ever had a Greek friend, you understand how a Greek family works. First, everyone is a cousin, an aunt, or an uncle. There is no such thing as friends, just family. And, there is always a “Yiayia” that feeds you, even when you say you are not hungry.

This is how they make you feel as soon as you arrive to Taverna Opa in Mary Brickell Village. Diners at Taverna Opa are just part of the big, fat Greek family: always welcome, always fed.

Bill Lee, the manager, will guarantee you feel right at home. “Everyone in the house gets complimentary shots,” says Bill… and let the big, fat Greek times begin!

Food, drinks, party, more food, more drinks and more party.

Of course, everyone feels a sense of belonging as well as big and fat and Greek after 5 shots.

It doesn’t matter if you are “not hungry anymore,” the feeding will continue on.

Taverna Opa is not your typical restaurant or the traditional happy hour bar.

The place really offers something different from food, to drinks, to excellent service and a good time, plus they have a Miami Spice menu.

The Greek family ambiance is visible in the service as staff receives you like their own Greek cousin. The collaboration and friendliness among themselves is a key factor too. Bill Lee described the “Taverna Circus”: “Every night there’s something new to expect. Everyone has a great time, but it is my responsibility to maintain an organized chaos. Sometimes, that means the chef is out here drinking shots, and I’m in there mixing the tzatziki. The important thing is that we all collaborate, have a good time, and make the customers happy.”

As the “Taverna Circus” takes place, food continues to be cooked in the kitchen.

Do not expect bread and butter while you wait, they will bring chickpeas and olive oil to the table for you to make your own hummus. The staff always recommends the best dishes, and in their anxiety to feed the big, fat Greek family, they will attempt to order for you.

Don’t miss the spanakopita (feta and spinach pastries), the grilled octopus, the saganaki (flaming cheese), and the lamb chops with the amazing lemon flavored potatoes.

Of course, we ended our evening with an amazing baklava (and a taxi ride home). So now you know, it doesn’t have to be a wedding for you to have a big, fat Greek party! Yiamas! (Cheers!).